· Ernie Braganza · Blog article · 2 min read
The Foundation of Our Demcracy
Without freedom of speech, our democracy can not survive.
Last updated: September 22, 2025
Freedom of Speech
Our founders knew that without freedom of speech and a free press, democracy could not survive. That’s why the First Amendment is at the heart of the Bill of Rights. They had lived under monarchy and censorship, and they swore that in this newly created nation, no one would ever be punished simply for speaking truth to power.
That right is not just a piece of history. It is the foundation of our democracy today. Freedom of speech is what allows us to challenge corruption, expose abuses, and hold leaders accountable. But a right unused is a right at risk. If we don’t continue to boldly speak out, we make it easier for those in power to silence us altogether.
Right now, those threats are real. Donald Trump has openly called for the FCC to revoke the broadcast license of any station that airs criticism aimed at him. He has gone after critics, activists, and organizations that oppose him. Vice-president Vance told followers to go after anyone they felt was not respectful of Charlie Kirk. “Call them out, and hell, call their employer,” Vance said, cultivating a culture of fear. This is the language and behavior of authoritarian regimes, and it is aimed directly at our democracy.
We have witnessed how local organizations doing good work in our community have nonetheless recoiled at the idea of allowing a play based on It Can’t Happen Here, a 90-year-old novel by a Nobel and Pulitzer prize winning author, to be staged in their building. They feared a play warning against the rise of fascism would provoke large uncontrollable protests or even violent opposition.
But our non-violent events peacefully continue. Our weekly presence at the Marion overpass and at Rep. Griffith’s office in Abingdon show our commitment to persistent resistance.
The large events like the upcoming October 18 No Kings protests matter too. They are not just rallies; they are an exercise of the very freedoms our founders and generations after them fought to secure. By raising our voices together, we protect the right to dissent, resist authoritarianism, and remind every would-be tyrant: in America, the people rule, not kings.
Freedom of speech only survives if we use it. Democracy only survives if we defend it. On October 18, let’s exercise our rights loudly, boldly, and together.
